Our selections for Achievement of the Year encompass a broad range of sailing feats. Whether an impressive performance in a race, a new record or a fine feat of seamanship this award honours those who have gone above and beyond in the last year.

What makes the difference between a good and a great event? The answer is not set in stone but it is usually a combination of a great idea, well delivered and which captures imaginations. As anyone who has tried will be able to tell you, putting on any event takes hours and hours of hard work. This is our pick of the year’s most impressive regattas.

From the Olympics to the America’s Cup to the Volvo Ocean Race, the sport of sailing has plenty of professionals making a living from their racing. Here we pick the top professional sailors who have done great things this season.

One of the finest aspects of sailing is that professionals and amateurs often compete side-by-side. As such the best amateur sailors are often good enough to turn pro. Here we select the amateurs that have impressed our editorial team this season while holding down a ‘normal job’.

This is one of the most important awards that Yachts & Yachting picks each year, after all these are the youngsters that will go on to sail for their country, work in the industry or just remain top amateur enthusiasts. The Young Sailor of the Year award picks the best achievements of youngsters in the UK and across the globe.

From foiling catamarans to an affordable entry-level sportsboat, what all these designs have in common is that they all offer something new, innovative or otherwise impressive to gain their position on the list.

Fitting out your boat with the very best gear available will obviously not mean you win a race, but it can make it a damn sight easier. We pick the most impressive fittings, gadgets and tools in our Gear of the Year Award.

The British Marine Award is reserved for those teams, companies or events that contribute to the marine industry, whether that be through charity work, years of devotion or by inspiring people to take up the sport. Every nomination here has made the sport stronger in one way or another.

The finest images from regattas around the world. We have scoured our photography archive to bring you the images that sum up sailing at this very moment, whether it is a foiling crash or the ecstatic laugh of a newly crowned champion.